Halloween and Non- Traveling

November 5, 2008

I thought it would be a good time to update, since I am on a week long break, somewhat relaxed.
It's just unfortunate, however short it may be, that I have a film midterm to do over my vacation. While everyone decided to leave Beijing, Mike, Eric P.,Weien, Cassandra, and I were smart and decided to stay in this wonderful capital of China. Thought that I could save a little money for Shanghai next semester, but I guess that thought was a bust since I am spending a lot shopping at the Silk Market now.

Today, I got to watch the new 007, yes before ANYONE, because I am THAT special. Afterward, Mike and I decided to wander aimlessly around the area, and decided that the Silk Market would be a great idea, since everyone's got to visit this foreigner rip-off wonderland. Being Chinese, however, proved to be a huge benefit afterall. I got a pair of Coach flats for 60 RMB (starting price: 380) and NARS & MAC makeup: 50 RMB (starting price: 110). Thought I could've done a little better, but was happy nonetheless.

Back to the past a few days:
Halloween wasn't as fun as I had hoped, but figuring out what to be was the most fun yet. This was the first halloween I was unable to find a costume, since c'mon I'm in China. Their perception of Halloween is not one filled with children in Batman costumes begging for bigger bars of candy. Rather, their halloween is a profit for club cover charges and taxi rides to these bars and clubs. I was able to put together some random form of a glam rocker chick from the 80's. Pictures always explain it all.

So we got the gay german ballerina, the hippie, 80's glam rocker, a hitchhiker, belt-man Weien, and a basketball player who's hidden behind him. Wow, sucks not to have real costume shops in China.

These next few days we're going to find the hot spots we haven't seen, such as theh 798 art district, flag raising in Tian An Men square at sunrise, Ghost street, and much more!

I have yet to find clothing for Harbin, although I am so excited for the Ice Festival.

This entire city you see, is made out of ice. How I love Alliance and all these great excursions they take me on! Future reference Smithies, come on the Alliance program if you want to see what China is really all about. It's all covered in tuition!

Ooh! Also, got a real pair of Nike's from the Nike factory store for 195RMB (28USD). Awesome running shoes....worked out for the first time and wow, my muscles hate me.

All the way from the land of cheap goods, and cities made out of ice.